(This is the second in a two-part blog post on how to utilize LinkedIn for Executive Job Search. This first part looked at using LinkedIn in the “traditional” manner of utilizing Jobs Boards and searching out Hiring Managers. This second part will take a Windmill Networking approach to utilizing LinkedIn for Executive Job Search through a deeper understanding of social networking.)

LinkedIn itself advertises that “Executives from all Fortune 500 companies are LinkedIn members.” But it is not enough to just sign up for the service and wait for things to happen. LinkedIn is, at its heart, a social networking platform. And Windmill Networking treats all social networking platforms the same with the notion that you should maximize your presence on each site for whatever objective you may have. Don’t stop at just connecting with ex-colleagues that you already know or even simply trolling the Jobs boards. If you are in transition, you need to maximize your presence on LinkedIn. You need to be become both more visible as well as become a better Windmill Networker.

Let’s start with understanding the importance of becoming more visible. You have to understand that:

* LinkedIn is fueled by recruiters and corporate HR organizations * Because of this fact job-seekers are flocking to LinkedIn to be found * LinkedIn, and social media in general, are slowly replacing the “traditional” methods of looking for talent

In other words, if you are not visible enough on LinkedIn, you may not be found and may be missing out on potential career opportunities. As I mentioned in the first part of this blog, LinkedIn is a huge database. And you need to ensure that you are found on it. Period.

How to Become More Visible on LinkedIn

Recruiters will utilize the Advanced People Search (or the LinkedIn Talent Advantage software platform with even more functionality) to find potential candidates. In order to be found, therefore, you need to:

* Completely fill out your profile, including relevant work experience. Each position that you worked at gives you additional companies, titles, and keywords that will allow you to be found. Don’t be shy here and don’t stick to a rigid resume format. This is an exercise in Search Engine Optimization for YOU!

* Connect and expand your network. The more connections you have, the higher the chance that you will be found in search results. You do not necessary have to become a LION, or LinkedIn Open Networker, like I have; simply connecting with the 10 LinkedIn LIONs & Super Connectors that I recommend will help you greatly expand your network. My friend expanded his 3rd degree connections by 1 Million people just by connecting with one person on that list. That’s 1 Million more people that now may find my friend more easily when they search.

* Establish relationships with relevant recruiters. Many recruiters are LinkedIn LIONs because it is in their inherent interest to build out a large network. This also makes it easier for you to connect and develop relationships with them, as they will often accept your invitation. Search for key recruiters in your industry and locale. The Ladders offers this as part of their premium paid service; LinkedIn enables you to find recruiters for free. Take advantage of it.

In connecting with people that you might not know, you are including others in your LinkedIn network that might not be part of your physical network. And that is exactly the objective of Windmill Network: to empower you to maximize LinkedIn and meet the people you need to in order to reach your objective. In doing so, you are creating a unique virtual network that can now supplement and hopefully become part of your physical network over time. You are now starting to Windmill Network!

The Stigma of “Social Networking”

Social networking may have been something that was not looked upon positively in the past. After all, “Social networking was just for the unemployed, right? And that is why everyone is on LinkedIn, no? Just to look for a job? As they say, you know when someone is looking for a job when they revise their LinkedIn profile.” These are words that I used to hear a lot of in the past.

I believe this has been the prevailing argument until now. But this recession, and the growth of social networking sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, where Gen X & Baby Boomers are joining the sites by storm (my 80+ year-old dad just friended me on Facebook yesterday), social networking is going mainstream. Executive search firms like McDermott & Bull and career management sites like Netshare and ExecuNet are providing social networking “meetups” as an integral part of the services they provide to executives in transition. All generations are starting to realize the inherent value in social networking of digging your well before you’re thirsty; however, it is often the case that they don’t realize this until they are unemployed.

The Social Networking Aspect of LinkedIn

With this in mind, there are many other things that you can do while on LinkedIn that will indirectly aid you at finding your next job: networking beyond just recruiters. As many say, it is now what you know but who you know. Obviously LinkedIn can and should be used to help you connect with others that can not only help you on your journey, but also lives that you can touch through sharing your experience and expertise by Paying It Forward, which is the guiding principle of Windmill Networking. These activities include:

* Joining LinkedIn Groups in your industry or profession and participating in conversations. There are hundreds of thousands of LinkedIn Groups, so I am sure you can find one that is relevant to you. Here is my advice on what LinkedIn Groups you should join.

* Answering questions on LinkedIn Answers and sharing your expertise with others. You may learn a few things along the way and meet some truly inspirational and remarkable people to add to your LinkedIn network.

* Writing LinkedIn Recommendations for all that you feel deserve recognition. Even if they don’t ask you for one, I am sure they will be ecstatic to receive one.

The beauty is that all of these activities will lead to a greater presence on the social networking site, allowing you to kill three birds with one stone:

Be found by even more potential people as your “footprint” will now be seen by many others.

Pay It Forward in assisting others.

Solidify your personal branding. Your “LinkedIn Brand” will be defined by everything that you do or don’t do on the site. Every Group you join, every question you answer, every recommendation you give, and even your profile language should be consistent and advertise who you are. In doing so, you will be come better “branded” and differentiated from others in a positive way.

A presence on LinkedIn is an integral part of the Executive Job Search in this day and age. Take advantage of LinkedIn and truly leverage your presence on the social networking site to the maximum. It will help you not only find your job, but also aid you in building out your network for the next time you are in transition. After all, your next job may not be your last one. It is a fact of life that we should all better prepare ourselves for. Why not start today?

The Founder and Editor-In-Chief of Maximize Social Business, Neal Schaffer is a leader in helping businesses and professionals strategically maximize their use of social media. Neal is the author of three social media books, including the recently published definitive social media strategy book Maximize Your Social. Forbes lists him as a Top 35 Social Media Power Influencer and AdAge lists his blog, Maximize Social Business (formerly known as Windmill Networking), as a top 100 global marketing blog. Neal provides social media strategy consulting and coaching, having worked with Fortune 500 companies and a Grammy-award winning musician. He has presented worldwide on social media at more than 150 events and also teaches social media marketing at Rutgers University. +Neal Schaffer

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About Neal Schaffer

The Founder and Editor-In-Chief of Maximize Social Business, Neal Schaffer is a leader in helping businesses and professionals strategically maximize their use of social media. Neal is the author of three social media books, including the recently published definitive social media strategy book Maximize Your Social. Forbes lists him as a Top 35 Social Media Power Influencer and AdAge lists his blog, Maximize Social Business (formerly known as Windmill Networking), as a top 100 global marketing blog. Neal provides social media strategy consulting and coaching, having worked with Fortune 500 companies and a Grammy-award winning musician. He has presented worldwide on social media at more than 150 events and also teaches social media marketing at Rutgers University. +Neal Schaffer